By Alieu Ceesay and Momodou S Gagigo
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Tuesday officially opened the nomination process for presidential candidates ahead of The Gambia’s December 5, 2026 election, with the All Inclusive Party (AIP) withdrawing its candidacy as two others presented their papers.
IEC officials confirmed that the AIP, led by Yiramang Darboe, was expected to be among the first to file but has withdrawn. The party’s decision reduces the field of aspirants, which had been projected at around 27 candidates seeking the presidency in Banjul.
In a press statement, the AIP said it would redirect its efforts to strengthen party structures, expand its national presence, and prepare for the 2031 presidential election. “I remain confident that the vision, policies, and leadership offered by AIP will continue to provide a credible and compelling alternative for national development, good governance, and economic transformation,” the statement read. The party clarified that it is not endorsing any political party or candidate in the forthcoming polls, while reaffirming its commitment to democracy, peace, national unity, and the rule of law.
Following the AIP announcement, independent aspirant Salieu Jallow appeared at the IEC headquarters but failed to complete his nomination. Under Section 42 of the Elections Act, 2025, presidential candidates must deposit one million dalasis into a designated IEC account and submit proof of payment with their nomination documents. Jallow said he misunderstood the requirement, believing he could pay the fee directly at the IEC rather than through a bank deposit. He was therefore unable to finalize his candidacy.
Speaking to journalists, the young aspirant pledged that if elected, he would fight corruption, address youth unemployment, improve security, and boost agriculture. “I’m a young person, I’m educated, and I love my country. The way the country is going, we all know, isn’t going in the right direction, and we want to put the country on track. Also, we want to create jobs,” he said. He also promised to close the salary gap between executive officials and lower-paid workers.
The day concluded with the Alliance of Progressive Citizens submitting its nomination papers.
Candidate Modou Lamin Sima said he was exercising his constitutional right to contest and, if elected, would close gaps in the civil service within 400 days. “Our development is orientation; our development is going to be Micro sector,” he told reporters. Sima listed the health sector and broader economic expansion among his top priorities.
The IEC is expected to continue receiving nominations in the coming days as the country prepares for the December polls. The one-million-dalasi deposit requirement remains a key condition for all presidential hopefuls seeking a place on the ballot.
